Match Threads Spurs vs Ajax - Match Thread - Semi-final 1st leg

Everlasting Seconds said:

Lucas Moura, Dele, Eriksen, Llorente and Janssen? You just conveniently forget about them? Our weakest part, CM, is so weak that we need to cover it up not by deploying a make shift CM solution, but by forcing Ajax to battle us on a different part of the pitch.

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davidmatzdorf said:

People are making very simplistic comments about Llorente like "he was poor". What does that actually mean?

One person correctly observed that he has been very effective against opponents like Tranmere and Huddersfield, but then drew no conclusions from that. So I will, because other than that, no one has volunteered anything except unsupported statements of "opinion".

Llorente is a vastly experienced centre-forward who has played multiple times at the highest level for country and club, in the highest-pressure matches you can imagine. He knows what there is to know about playing as the classic big no. 9 and, when he plays against slow, inexperienced or disorganised defences such as Tranmere and Huddersfield, he finds space to work and he both scores and makes goals, because he has the knowledge and because they allow him space to play.

Put him up against a quick, disciplined, top-class defence, even against Man City before his Wonder Moment, and his slowing body no longer has the sharpness to find space and execute. He can hold the ball up effectively and he's an absolute nuisance at set pieces, as we saw against Man City. Other than that, he's unlikely to deliver very much end product from open play, unless the defence gets sloppy and gives him some space.

Ajax are quick and young and talented. Unless they are also naive, which I doubt, I don't think there's going to be a lot of space in the penalty box.

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Krule said:

Totally agree...that's why I hate him coming on as a substitute in the dying minutes. You need someone with pace to give the tired defenders a run for their money. I actually feel quite sorry for the guy, he just isn't a modern day striker anymore...and yet we are playing tonight thanks to him and his goal.

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Primativ said:

Too many players out of form for me.

Alli is horrible at the moment and offers no goal threat.

Moura is far too hot and cold and can’t be relied upon for goals.

Llorente . Meh. Janssen, can’t score in a brothel.

I think only Eriksen will maybe come up with the goods..

Plus we have no midfield. Dier is woeful at the moment. Sissoko probably not fit and even if he does play, is hardly going to be in top condition.

Winks out. Wanyama looks a shadow of the player he was.

It’s gutting to go into such a big game with such a makeshift side but Levy and Poch asked for this when they signed no one for two windows straight.

So instead of being really excited for tomorrow, I’m actually feeling quite down about it. Maybe it’s just because we were so poor versus West Ham, but I have little belief the team we will put out has enough about it to hurt Ajax.

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V.Basten said:

So how are you guys doing at the other side of the channel? Getting a bit nervous? I know I am...

Going to be a fantastic game tomorrow between two clubs that have managed to reach the semis against all odds. That alone is a historical performance.

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DCSPUR said:

Welcome Marco!

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V.Basten said:

So how are you guys doing at the other side of the channel? Getting a bit nervous? I know I am...

Going to be a fantastic game tomorrow between two clubs that have managed to reach the semis against all odds. That alone is a historical performance.

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popstar7 said:

If we have to go out, Ajax certainly wouldn't be the worst team to go out to. I'd happily cheer Ajax on against Barca or Liverpool in the final if that's how it turns out. But I have no intention of doing that. We're depleted and weakened but we have Mauricio Pochettino and he will guide us through.

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V.Basten said:

I don't believe that your injuries and suspensions have severely undermined your chances tomorrow. Champions League matches tend to stand on their own, disregarding form in domestic leagues, as they usually bring that extra energy and focus to players, fans and staff.

If we fail to reach the finals, I would definitely support your side in the final. I'll guess that counts for most neutral fans who are tired of seeing the same clubs reaching the final every year.

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V.Basten said:

I don't believe that your injuries and suspensions have severely undermined your chances tomorrow. Champions League matches tend to stand on their own, disregarding form in domestic leagues, as they usually bring that extra energy and focus to players, fans and staff.

If we fail to reach the finals, I would definitely support your side in the final. I'll guess that counts for most neutral fans who are tired of seeing the same clubs reaching the final every year.

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gibbospurs said:

So maybe not having Son, Kane, Winks, Lamela, a fit sissoko, a not fit Dier, a not fit vic. An apparent fatigued Verts. And dele with a broken hand and not fully fit isn’t severely a problem for us? Jesus!. Nice of you to post etc but have a word lol.

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V.Basten said:

I don't believe that your injuries and suspensions have severely undermined your chances tomorrow. Champions League matches tend to stand on their own, disregarding form in domestic leagues, as they usually bring that extra energy and focus to players, fans and staff.

If we fail to reach the finals, I would definitely support your side in the final. I'll guess that counts for most neutral fans who are tired of seeing the same clubs reaching the final every year.

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shoggy33 said:

We are without 2 of the best attackers in world football, and possibly our only 2 competent midfielders. Believe me, injuries and suspensions have significantly undermined our chances in this one. If I was you I'd be peeing myself with excitement, you're in a champions League semi and you're playing against a broken team.

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V.Basten said:

Our most difficult match in our CL-run has been against Benfica. Our most dominating matches were against Bayern, Real and Juventus. While I'm not trying to degrade Spurs, a coherent, disciplined and well-organized team could still make us life difficult tomorrow, and I'm sure Pochettino will be able to bring the right focus and structure in his team.

We have played against teams that severely underestimated us; squads full with egos and world-class individuals. I'm more afraid of the side that fights as a team and doesn't look down on the youngsters it faces. Also, it will be the first time that Ajax doesn't have the clear underdog role. I'm not sure how our players will handle this change of expectations.

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shoggy33 said:

I hate how little confidence I have for this game. I just can't see how the same group of players who got owned by West Ham on Sat can possibly hold out against a rampant Ajax team and without Son, scoring is going to be so difficult. If I see Sissoko's name on the team sheet I'll feel a bit better, him next to Wanyama/Dier would free up Dele to play a more attacking role so we might have a bit more threat going forward. I think we just need to be in the tie going into the 2nd leg so keeping it tight at the back should be the priority

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